Dedication Service

It was another bitterly cold evening, and one great-grandpa's birthday, when we all assembled for the dedication of our favourite boy. There were many babies and toddlers, and lots of excited relatives, happy to be present to add their prayers for all good things to the ones being spoken. You will see one young man in every picture but the first. Of course, he was the centre of attention for our family and friends. He performed very well, and seemed to enjoy all the excitement, even if the event ended past his usual bedtime. We love you, baby boy!

The stage was set with hundreds of balloons, on an underwater theme (so there were fish balloons too.)

Mom, Dad, and the star of the show, all dressed up in his khakis.

Self-proclaimed favourite aunt (she had competition that night), boyfriend, and the family.

Visitors from the States travelled up for the occasion.

The boy, his parents, and his paternal grandparents.

One of the aunts competing for "favourite" title.

The boy, his parents, and his maternal grandparents.

Some of the kissing cousins! They really love this young man.

This baby boy, along with his two girl cousins, is so fortunate. He has four great-grandparents who love him. They all were able to come to help him celebrate his special day. (The birthday boy is second from the left.)

We are all so blessed!

The Boy at three months

Even though it is bitterly cold here this week, we still have a ray of sunshine to keep us warm! Grandma went to visit on Friday, and the Boy and his mom and Grandma braved the cold to go to see self-proclaimed favourite aunt's basketball team play (and win!). Prior to the game, we had some time to play (with a 10 minute interruption to let Grandma know he can scream when he wants). Here he is after a bath, which he loved, just chillin' in the vibrating chair, and in the Bumbo. Where were Bumbos when my kids were small?

The video with Grandpa was taken a couple of weeks before.

This boy is growing fast, and has found his voice, so he tells us lots of stories. He seems to have a mind of his own, but so far doesn't complain when Mom and Dad go out and someone else is in charge. I'm sure that will change, but we'll enjoy it for the moment.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to everyone, near or far!

This year, we decided to do something different on New Year's Eve, so we volunteered to drive for "Operaton Red Nose". This is a free service which operates this way - persons who are hesitant to drive home after an evening of celebrating call Operation Red Nose. Teams of three go out to wherever the person is. One drives the person's car, one accompanies the driver, navigates, and handles the paperwork, and one drives his or her own car and picks up the first driver and navigator to take them to their next job. We waited around until about 11:30, but once midnight arrived, we were busy. We did five trips in all, travelling to each end of the city, and collected a substantial amount of money to support the Manta Swim Club. (Donations are given voluntarily by the "clients"). It was an interesting, rewarding experience. All the clients were most appreciative, and were very friendly and co-operative. We met a Manta dad, who was our navigator. Our last drive finished about 4:30 a.m. after which we stumbled home and slept until 11:00 a.m. New Year's Day!

Hope your New Year's eve events were fun, and that 2008 brings you all you desire.

Waiting with our radio, our vests and I.D. badges, and our "Sherlock's" to be called to drive.